As the United States approaches a crucial election in just over a month, voters are confronted with a stark reminder of why Donald Trump should not return to the presidency. The former president's callous response to the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection—"So what?"—encapsulates his disregard for democratic institutions and the rule of law.
According to court documents filed by special counsel Jack Smith, Trump exhibited this indifference when informed that his vice president, Mike Pence, was being evacuated for safety. This occurred while rioters chanted threats against Pence and violently clashed with law enforcement. The Capitol Building, which has stood as the seat of U.S. Congress since 1800, faced an unprecedented attack that day.
Trump's actions leading up to and during the insurrection marked the first time in U.S. history that a president refused to accept the voters' decision and the rulings of numerous courts confirming his defeat. The Electoral College system, not the popular vote, determines the outcome of presidential elections, a fact that Trump seemed unwilling to acknowledge.
Senator JD Vance, Trump's running mate, has attempted to downplay the severity of these events. During the recent vice-presidential debate, Vance claimed that Trump "peacefully gave over power" on January 20, 2021. However, this statement ignores Trump's absence from Biden's inauguration—breaking a long-standing tradition—and his continued refusal to concede the election.
Trump's inconsistent stance on abortion rights further illustrates his "So what?" approach to governance. Despite a lifelong pro-choice position, he shifted to an anti-abortion stance to secure the Republican nomination. Now, following the Supreme Court's overturning of Roe v. Wade—a landmark 1973 decision—Trump vacillates on the issue depending on his audience.
The former president's legal troubles continue to mount. He faces 34 felony counts in New York related to hush money payments, and allegations of mishandling classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence, built in 1927 and purchased by Trump in 1985. The National Archives and Records Administration, established in 1934 to preserve government records, has been at the center of efforts to retrieve these sensitive materials.
Trump's attempts to interfere with the 2020 election results in Georgia, a state with 16 electoral votes, have also come under scrutiny. His recorded conversation requesting officials to "find 11,780 votes" highlights the extent of his efforts to overturn the election outcome.
"All I want to do is this: I just want to find 11,780 votes"
As the nation approaches the November 5, 2024 election, voters must consider the implications of Trump's actions and attitudes. The U.S. Constitution, which specifies the oath of office for the President, demands a leader who respects democratic norms and institutions. Trump's "So what?" mentality poses a significant threat to these fundamental principles.